On Saturday, November 4, Etihad Arena was pumping when world-class racing, freestyle motocross shows, live music, and an exciting pyrotechnics display lit the venue for the first time. This was the first-ever transformation of Etihad Arena into a sandy dirt track for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FIM Supercross Championship. Oh, ICYMI here’s a run down of exactly what happened.

From its inauguration to the surprise performer, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FIM Supercross Championship was an event for the books!

 

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Virgin Radio host Brent Black brought the CEOs of Ethara, Miral and Emirates Motorsports Organisation onto the track for the official inauguration

Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, Mohammed Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, and Mahir Badir, CEO of Emirates Motorsports Organisation brought members of the Junior Supercross Team on stage with them to officially begin the championship. The group hovered their hands atop a big, shiny red button while the countdown began… Once the timer hit one, the group hit the button and the show began!

Etihad Arena filled with fireworks to mark the beginning of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FIM Supercross Championship!

The event opened with a showstopping pyrotechnics display, which set the scene for the adrenaline-filled day. The opening ceremony then concluded with a traditional Ayala performance, before the riders took to the track and battled it out for their chance at a podium spot.

40 of the world’s best riders battled it out for the prestigious podium spots

Joey Savatgy emerged as champion in the WSX (450cc) division, and Max Anstie placed first in the SX2 (250cc) race.

“It’s always really exciting to ride a new track, and today surpassed our expectations. The team in Abu Dhabi has done an amazing job transforming this indoor arena into a suitable dirt track for us. Having a two row start gate is a really unique concept and I luckily got out of the gate pretty well in the first two races, which put me in a good spot going into the third. The competition was really tough this weekend, and I’m glad to have come away with the overall win.”

Joey Savatgy, winner of the 450cc WSX category and the current Championship leader

“We have had a great day in Abu Dhabi, and I’m really happy to have come out with a win, especially for the first ever World Supercross Championship event in Abu Dhabi. The atmosphere was electric today in Etihad Arena, thanks to all the fans. We have been blown away by the size of the fan base that our sport already has here, and are excited to see it grow even more.”

Max Anstie, winner of the SX2 250cc class

The junior category followed in the footsteps of their role models and showcased a new generation of emerging stars from the UAE

Twenty young riders, aged between 7 and 13, displayed remarkable skills and techniques in their respective race categories. Thus, inspiring the next generation of talent in the region.

Finally, Abu Dhabi-born rapper Freek closed off the night with a live performance

With his chart-topping hits like “Doos” and “Mush Fathi,” Freek brought his unique style and energy to the event. His performance added an extra layer of excitement to the already action-packed day of Supercross championship races. His live performance left the crowd buzzing!

Learn more about the FIM World Supercross Championship here